Page 87 of My Favorite Sin

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

ALLY

Saturday night arrives and I’ve returned to The Hamptons for my performance at the Forever Families benefit, held in the old museum. The whole family is here, under Josh and Mom’s request. A lot of important press is at the event and my parents said it would be a good opportunity to display our blended family united as one. The brothers only agreed, I’m sure, because Mom asked them, insistent that we get a photo taken for the public that includes all the family.

I’ve barely spoken a word to Dan all night. It feels odd distancing myself from him after the last three days at his apartment where his hands never left my body. It was constant kisses. Constant orgasms. A secret smile plays on my lips, thinking back to how we pulled over on the side of the road during the drive up here because we needed each other’s body again.

I steal a glance at Dan from across the crowded room of suits and gowns, finding his eyes already on me. I blush and pull out my phone.

Ally

You can’t look at me like that in public.

Dan

Sorry. I can’t help myself. Your ass looks incredible in that dress.

“What are you smiling at?”

My eyes snap up from my phone and I wipe the look off my face the second I hear my mother’s voice. “Nothing.”

“Is there a new boy?”

“Of course not. I was smiling at something Violet sent me.”

“Relax, sweetie.” She sips from her champagne flute. “All I’m saying is you seem happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen you. I was sad to hear you ended things with Liam, but clearly you’re doing well. Speaking of Liam, have you spoken to him tonight?”

“Tonight?”

“His band is performing next. Did you forget?”

My eyebrows lift in shock. The news of his presence fills me with unease. I’d forgotten all about Liam performing here until this very second. “Why didn’t he cancel?”

“You expected him to cancel because you broke things off with him? That wouldn’t be very professional of Liam.”

“I suppose you’re right. Have you spoken to him? How does he seem?”

“Flat. He hasn’t bounced back as well as you have, that’s for sure.”

Makes sense, considering the way he sped off after our last conversation.

“Oh, here he is now.” Mom nods at the stage.

I turn around, clenching my teeth with nerves when I find Liam and his band setting up theirequipment. They tune their instruments and ease into the start of gentle background music. The crowd continues to chat among themselves. My mom moves on from me to a conversation with Tyler and Killian. But I watch Liam, wondering how he is. He’s not the right guy for me but that doesn’t mean I don’t care for him.

I’ve seen Liam play his double bass a few times, and during each of those occasions it was clear how deeply he felt the music. He would put himself into the music, expressing the beat and rhythm with his body. There was always a smile on his face.

Tonight, there’s none of that. Mom was right. He does look flat.

Liam’s eyes scan the audience, pausing when they land on me. Not knowing how else to respond, I smile and wave. He glances away and shakes his head with frustration denting between his eyes.

I gulp hard, feeling the sting of guilt. I tried to not lead him on. I was honest when he came asking for a second chance, telling him we’d hang out and see where things go between us but that I wasn’t ready to jump into a relationship.

I really like you and I don’t want to rush into anything.Those were the words he spoke on our date when he cooked dinner for me at his apartment.

Then on Wednesday…I stopped seeing other girls because I like you so much. I don’t do shit like that for just anyone, Ally.

He gave that whole speech about how comfortable he is with me and how he’s never felt that way with anyone.

---